Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1887-08-19
A War "Reminiscences.


The following obituary was found lately
in an old Richmond paper, and is published
by request. 1t will be gratifying to the sub
ject's many comrades in war and admirers,
Of this county, his home, to read of his ceur-
age and worth, and the esteem in which he
was held by all Southerners:
Died, on the night of the LIST of June, 1854,
from wounds received in battle, near Ash
land, Col. Ridgely Brown, of Maryland, in
the Both year of his age.
OF the many brave and noble men who
have fought the invaders of Southern soil,
and have died in defense Of Southern homes
and Southern rights, none deserves a higher
tribute Of praise, or larger measure Of
thanks from the Southern people than Col.
Brown. A native of Montgomery county,
Maryland, and citizen Of that State at the
commencement of the present war, It would
have been but natural for him to have taken
the passive attitude which was assumed by
his State, where he would now, in all prob
ability, be gladdening by his presence a
large circle of relatives and friends, instead
of throwing dark shadows around their
hearts from his lowly grave in Virginia.
But like many other noble sons of Mary
land, he left his quiet and secure home to
give his services to the Southern Confed-
eracy, threatened with subjugation and
even determination. He labored day and
night in its service, and has poured out his
liie's blood upon its altar.
He came to Virginia on the first of June,
1861, and was MORALLY wounded on the first
day of June, 1864, just three years after. He
entered the army in the capacity of private,
In less than year he was raised to the pc.
sition of lieutenant. He soon reached the
rank of captain, and was then promoted TO
lieutenant celonelcy. To each of these pc.
sitions he was lifted by merit alone, and
would probably have soon reached much
NY d rank had aot GaIiGa1 d10tA closed
Never was o. Beloved
by his command a. one who
more deserved it. AS bfavV "a lion in
time Of danger, he was as careful of his men
as mother of her children. His men say
that when thrown upon his own responsi-
billty, he never led them int position of
peril without first examining it himself;
nor ordered them to 60 where he was not
ready to Lead and they felt perfectly secure
under his leadership. After his promotion
to the command of a regiment Of a cavalry,
it was remarked that he was much more
silent than before. A friend asked him the
reason. He replied that so many lives, com.
mitted to his charge, involved RESPONSE
bility which pressed heavily upon him.
He was Christian man, and death has
been his gain. The loss is all to those who
remain behind-to his parents, who have
lost devoted son; to his acquaintance,
who have lost one Of friendships greatest
treasures; to the Coniederacy, which has
lost one of its most valuable defenders But
more than this: Morality has lost one of its
best examplars, and Chivalry one of her
noblest sons. His influence for good, in his
command, whs can supply?
Many soldiers and many citizens will
mingle their tears on his grave to water the
flowers which friendship and affection will
plant there and when flowers shall wither,
his memory will continue to bloom in many
hearts. A VIRGINIAN.